THOMAS ANNAN'S GLASGOW SLUMS

 

 Capturing History: The Story Behind "Old Closes and Streets of Glasgow"

Introduction: In the mid-19th century, Glasgow was a city in transition. The industrial revolution had transformed it into a bustling urban center, but with progress came challenges. The old parts of the city were plagued by overcrowding, poverty, and unsanitary living conditions. It was against this backdrop that Thomas Annan, a pioneering Scottish photographer, was commissioned by the Glasgow City Improvement Trust in 1866 to document these slum areas. This commission would lead to the creation of his landmark series, "Old Closes and Streets of Glasgow," a body of work that would capture the essence of the city's historic transformation.

The Commission: In 1866, Glasgow's civic leaders recognized the need for urban renewal to address the dire living conditions in the city's oldest quarters. To preserve a record of the areas slated for redevelopment, they turned to Thomas Annan, known for his skill in architectural photography. The Glasgow City Improvement Trust commissioned Annan to photograph the slums before they were demolished and replaced with modern housing.

The Project: Armed with his camera, Annan ventured into the narrow, winding streets and dimly lit closes of old Glasgow. These areas were home to thousands of residents living in cramped and unsanitary conditions. Annan's task was both challenging and dangerous, as he navigated through some of the most impoverished and densely populated parts of the city.

The Process: Photography in the 19th century was a laborious and meticulous process. Annan used the calotype process, which involved coating paper with silver iodide and developing the images with gallic acid. This technique required long exposure times, often necessitating that his subjects remain still for extended periods. Despite these challenges, Annan's images captured the stark reality of life in the slums with remarkable clarity and detail.

The Photographs: The resulting series, "Old Closes and Streets of Glasgow," was published between 1868 and 1877. Annan's photographs are haunting and evocative, portraying the squalor and decay of the old city. Dark, narrow alleyways lined with tenement buildings, children playing in the streets, and families gathered in dimly lit rooms all tell the story of a community on the brink of transformation.

Impact and Legacy: Annan's work was not merely a documentary effort; it was a powerful social commentary. His photographs brought attention to the plight of Glasgow's poor and underscored the urgent need for urban renewal. The images served as a visual catalyst for change, supporting the efforts of the Glasgow City Improvement Trust to modernize the city and improve living conditions for its residents.

The "Old Closes and Streets of Glasgow" series remains a seminal work in the history of photography. It provides a rare and invaluable glimpse into the past, preserving the memory of a bygone era. Annan's photographs are not only a testament to his technical and artistic skill but also to his commitment to social justice.